Video apparatus and image sensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

This invention can reduce the circuit scale by synthesizing OSD data to be superposed on a picture of each resolution by using common OSD data. According to this invention, a video resolution converter converts an HD (High Definition) video signal into an SD (Standard Definition) video signal such as an NTSC or PAL video signal. A memory controller receives a sync signal identical to an SD picture obtained by frequency-dividing an HD video signal, and a sync signal based on an SD video signal, and reads out OSD data (4 bits per pixel) from the memory on the basis of these sync signals. The OSD data read out on the basis of the SD video signal is synthesized with the SD video signal by an SD_OSD_MIX unit, and then output. The OSD data read out on the basis of the SD sync signal synchronized with the HD is multiplied by an integer by an OSD resolution converter, synthesized with an HD video signal by an HD_OSD_MIX unit, and then output.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/116,221filed Apr. 28, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a technique of multiplexing an OSD (OnScreen Display) on a picture when a picture is displayed on a pluralityof display devices having different display resolutions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A video apparatus such as a digital video camera conventionally has aplurality of display destinations, for example, as components of themain body, a liquid crystal display panel, an EVF (Electrical ViewFinder), and a line-out (e.g., an S output for transmitting a compositevideo output, or brightness and color difference signals independently)for output to an external display (e.g., a TV monitor). Video signals tobe displayed on or output to these display destinations generally havethe same resolution. The video apparatus has, e.g., a function ofswitching whether to or not to multiplex the same OSD on respectivedisplay destinations.

In terms of the video format environment, a higher-resolution Hi-Visionformat (to be referred to as an HD format hereinafter) coexists withconventional NTSC and PAL formats (to be referred to as SD formatshereinafter). Various corresponding digital formats are defined bygroups such as ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and SMPTE(Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers).

These days, consumer digital video cameras capable of recording andplayback in both the SD and HD formats are available. Some digital videocameras can output a picture of the HD format to a display devicecapable of receiving and displaying the HD format in display, forexample, in playback in the HD format, and can also down-convert theresolution of a picture from the HD format to the SD format within theapparatus and output the picture of the SD format to a display devicecapable of receiving and displaying the SD format (e.g., Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2002-125193).

Under the circumstance, when different video formats are to be displayedand output, dedicated OSD data are multiplexed on the respective videoformats and displayed. Alternatively, after OSD data is multiplexed onan original picture, their resolutions are changed to display the OSDand picture. OSD data to be displayed must be prepared for eachresolution, and the quality of OSD data may be degraded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique ofmultiplexing one common OSD data on video formats of differentresolutions by a simple mechanism without degrading the OSD quality.

To solve the above problem, for example, a video apparatus according tothe present invention has the following arrangement.

That is, a video apparatus which generates video signals having aplurality of resolutions comprises

a memory which stores bitmap OSD (On Screen Display) data for apredetermined reference resolution,

video signal resolution conversion means for generating, from anoriginal video signal, video signals having different resolutionsincluding the reference resolution,

read means for reading out OSD data for each video signal by accessingthe memory in synchronism with the video signals having the plurality ofresolutions,

OSD data resolution conversion means for converting OSD data read outfor a video signal having a resolution other than the referenceresolution into OSD data having the resolution,

synthesis means, arranged for each resolution, for synthesizing a videosignal having each resolution and corresponding OSD data, and

output means for outputting the video signal synthesized by thesynthesis means.

According to a preferred aspect, the resolution of OSD data ispreferably so converted as to multiply the resolution by M or 1/M (M isan integer) in the horizontal direction and by N or 1/N (N is aninteger) in the vertical direction.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the OSD-associated arrangement of adigital video camera according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a memory controller according to theembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view showing the contents of bit assignment of output datafrom an SD color LUT and HD color LUT according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of synthesizing OSD data on a videosignal;

FIG. 5 is a view showing the relationship between an HD display frame,NTSC display frame, and OSD data area according to the embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a view showing the relationship between an HD display frame,PAL display frame, and OSD data area according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Description of Apparatus Arrangement>

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a video apparatus according to theembodiment. The arrangement of a digital video camera will beexemplified as the video apparatus. The image sensing resolution of thecamera unit (CCD) is a resolution of 1,920×1,080 pixels in the maximumeffective display area for HD (High Definition). The video apparatus hasa function of down-converting this resolution by a video resolutionconverter 124 to a resolution of 720×480 or 720×576 in the maximumeffective display area for the SD format (Standard Definition=NTSC orPAL format).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 127 denotes a system controller whichcontrols the overall video apparatus and is formed from a microcomputer.

Reference numeral 101 denotes a memory controller which reads out, froma memory 102, OSD data to be multiplexed on an SD picture down-convertedby the video resolution converter 124 in synchronism with a sync signalfrom an SD sync separation circuit 103. Similarly, the memory controller101 reads out, from the memory 102, OSD data to be multiplexed on an HDpicture selected by a video selector 123 from a camera unit 122 or CODECunit 125 in synchronism with an HD sync signal input via a frequencydividing circuit 133.

The memory 102 includes a ROM and RAM which store data, a program forimplementing various control means, and bitmap OSD data to be finallymultiplexed on an HD picture selected by the video selector 123 from thecamera unit 122 or CODEC unit 125 in the embodiment, and are also usedas a work area in order to execute control, as needed.

The SD sync separation circuit 103 separates a vertical sync signal (VD)and horizontal sync signal (HD) from an SD picture down-converted froman HD picture by the video resolution converter 124, generates a dotclock (SD_DOT_CLK) synchronized with a display pixel, and sends thesesignals to the memory controller 101 and an SD_OSD_MIX unit 105. At thisstage, the HD and SD video signals are asynchronous.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a 4-bit-input/16-bit-output SD color LUT(Look Up Table) which is formed from a RAM in order to change (write)storage data by the system controller 127. An address expressed by a4-bit input is made up of 0 to 15, each address stores 16-bit data, andthus the capacity of the SD color LUT 104 is 16×16=256 bits=32 bytes.Output 16 bits are assigned the values of a brightness Y and colordifferences Cr and Cb and how to multiplex an OSD on a picture(transparent, overwrite, simple addition, arithmetic mean, blinkpossible/impossible, or the like) (details of which will be describedlater).

In synchronism with a sync signal separated by the SD sync separationcircuit 103, the SD_OSD_MIX unit 105 multiplexes, on an SD picturedown-converted from an HD picture by the video resolution converter 124,an OSD which is based on the SD color LUT 104 and designated by OSD data(16 bits) read out from the memory 102.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a DAC (Digital Analog Converter) whichconverts a digital video signal into an analog video signal. Referencenumeral 107 denotes a liquid crystal driver which displays on a liquidcrystal display panel 108 an analog video signal converted by the DAC106. The liquid crystal display panel 108 displays OSD (On ScreenDisplay) information or the like controlled by the system controller 127on the basis of a video signal sent from the camera unit 122 via thevideo selector 123, video resolution converter 124, SD_OSD_MIX unit 105,DAC 106, and driver 107, a playback video signal from arecording/playback unit 126 via the CODEC unit 125 and video selector123, and input operation information from the user via an operation unit131 and various sensors 132 of the apparatus.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a DAC (Digital Analog Converter) which isidentical to the DAC 106. Reference numeral 110 denotes a liquid crystaldriver which drives an EVF (Electrical View Finder) 111 to display apicture. The EVF 111 performs the same display as that of the liquidcrystal display panel 108.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a DAC (Digital Analog Converter) which isidentical to the DACs 106 and 109. Reference numeral 113 denotes a 75Ωdriver which drives an externally connected TV monitor (not shown) orthe like via a line-out connector and transmits a video signal.Reference numeral 114 denotes a line-out connector which outputs a videosignal of the NTSC or PAL format as an S signal for Sending a compositesignal, or brightness and color difference signals independently.

Reference numeral 115 denotes an HD sync separation unit which separatesan HD picture selected by the video selector 123 from the camera unit122 or CODEC unit 125 into a vertical sync signal (HD_VD) and horizontalsync signal (HD_HD), generates a dot clock (HD_DOT_CLK) synchronizedwith a display pixel, and sends these signals to the frequency dividingcircuit 133 and an HD_OSD_MIX unit 118.

The frequency dividing circuit 133 outputs the input signals HD_VD,HD_HD, and HD_DOT_CLK as sync signals SD_VD′, SD_HD′, and SD_DOT_CLK′ ofthe SD format to the memory controller 101.

Reference numeral 116 denotes an OSD resolution converter whicharbitrarily multiplies, by an integer independently in the horizontaland vertical directions, OSD data read out from the memory 102 via thememory controller 101 under the control of the system controller 127.Since OSD data of the SD format is output from the memory 102, the datais multiplied by an integer in the horizontal and vertical directions togenerate OSD data of the HD format.

Reference numeral 117 denotes a 4-bit-input/16-bit-output HD color LUT(Look Up Table), similar to the SD color LUT 104. The data contents ofthe HD color LUT 117 can be changed by the system controller 127. Themeaning of each of 16 bits output from the HD color LUT 117 is the sameas that of the SD color LUT 104, and the output 16 bits are assigned thevalues of the brightness Y and color differences Cr and Cb and how tomultiplex an OSD on a picture (transparent, overwrite, simple addition,arithmetic mean, blink possible/impossible, or the like) (details ofwhich will be described later).

The HD_OSD_MIX unit 118 multiplexes, on an HD picture selected by thevideo selector 123 from the camera unit 122 or CODEC unit 125, an OSDwhich is based on the HD color LUT 117 and designated by OSD dataprepared by arbitrarily multiplexing OSD data read out from the memory102 by the OSD resolution converter 116 independently in the horizontaland vertical directions in synchronism with a sync signal separated bythe HD sync separation unit 115.

Reference numeral 119 denotes a DAC (Digital Analog Converter) having ahigh-speed conversion characteristic capable of DA conversion up todisplay of an HD resolution. Reference numeral 120 denotes a 75Ω driverwhich drives an external HD-compatible monitor (not shown) or the likeconnected to the D terminal and transmits a video signal. Referencenumeral 121 denotes a D terminal connector which is based on “CP-4120:Interface Between a Digital Tuner and Television Receiver usingD-Connector” established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and InformationTechnology Industries Association), and connects an external TV monitor(not shown) or the like by separately using a D terminal cable (notshown).

The camera unit 122 includes a lens, CCD (Charge Coupled Device), andother peripheral circuits and functions necessary for image sensing, andcan take an HD picture.

The video selector 123 selects a video signal from the camera unit 122or CODEC unit 125 under the control of the system controller 127.

The video resolution converter 124 has a function of down-converting anHD picture from the camera unit into an SD picture.

The CODEC unit 125 MPEG2-encodes an HD video signal on the basis of theMPEG2 (Moving Picture. Experts Group 2) format, and sends the encodedsignal to the recording/playback unit 126 to record the data on arecording medium (not shown). In playback, recorded data is read outfrom a recording medium (not shown) by the recording/playback unit 126,and the CODEC unit MPEG2-decodes the data and sends it to the videoselector 123.

The recording/playback unit 126 records video data encoded by the CODECunit 125 on a recording medium (not shown) such as a magnetic tape,optical disk, or HDD. In playback, the recording/playback unit 126 readsout encoded video data from the recording medium, and transfers the datato the CODEC unit 125.

The system controller 127 controls the whole apparatus, and is connectedto the operation unit 131 (instruction switches such as a recordingbutton, playback button, and fast-forward button) to be operated by theuser, and various sensors 132 (remaining battery amount sensor,recording medium presence/absence sensor, timer, and the like). Thesystem controller 127 switches between photographing and playback, andin addition, writes in the memory 102 via the memory controller 101 OSDdata (one pixel=4 bits) to be properly superposed and displayed on aphotographed picture.

<Memory Controller 101>

FIG. 2 shows the block arrangement of the memory controller 101 and therelationship with the memory 102 according to the embodiment. The videoapparatus according to the embodiment outputs a video signal of NTSC(720×480 pixels) as the SD format and a video signal of 1,920×1,080pixels as the HD format.

In this case, the memory 102 according to the embodiment has a capacityof NH×NV pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions for 4 bits perpixel. NH and NV are smaller in size than the SD format, and when theyare multiplied by an integer, the products do not exceed the size of theHD format. For example, NH=600 and NV=400.

The memory controller 101 is formed from address generation circuits 400and 401, and an address bus arbitration circuit 402.

The address generation circuit 400 generates address signals in theraster scan order in order to read out OSD data from the memory 102 onthe basis of sync signals SD_VD, SD_HD, and SD_DOT_CLK generated by theSD sync separation circuit 103.

The address generation circuit 401 generates similar address signals onthe basis of the sync signals SD_VD′, SD_HD′, and SD_DOT_CLK′ outputfrom the frequency dividing circuit 133. Since the frequency dividingcircuit 133 generates a sync signal of the SD format on the basis of async signal of the HD format from the HD sync separation unit 115, theaddress generation circuit 401 generates an OSD data read address to beoutput from the D terminal connector 121.

The address bus arbitration circuit 402 performs write/read of OSDbitmap data in/from the memory 102 by the system controller 127, andaddress arbitration between the two address generation circuits 400 and401. Readout OSD data is data of a resolution corresponding to the SDformat, and provides only a small display in the HD format. To preventthis, the OSD resolution converter 116 also multiplies OSD data to beoutput with the HD format by an integer (two times in the embodiment) inboth the horizontal and vertical directions, and then outputs the OSDdata.

Note that recent memories can access at several hundred M clocks, and aband enough to read OSD data is ensured for the address bus arbitrationcircuit 402 and memory 102. Hence, even while OSD data for OSD displayare read out from the address generation circuits 400 and 401, thesystem controller 127 can write. OSD data to be displayed in the memory102.

<Description of LUT>

As described above, OSD data of one pixel read out from the memory 102is formed from 4 bits. The 4-bit data is decoded into 16-bit data by theSD color LUT 104 and HD color LUT 117, respectively, and video data andthe OSD data are synthesized by the OSD_MIX units 105 and 118,respectively.

Each of 16 bits is assigned a meaning as shown in FIG. 3. The MSB (bit15) represents which of a sensed picture or playback picture (to besimply referred to as sensed data hereinafter) and OSD data is passed.To pass sensed data, bit 14 and lower bits are insignificant. In otherwords, the following description applies only when at least OSD data isdisplayed.

Bit 14 represents which of a simple OSD or the arithmetic mean of videodata and OSD data is displayed. If the simple OSD is set, acorresponding pixel displays only the OSD. For the arithmetic mean, theOSD and sensed picture are mixed by 50% each, and a sensed image isdisplayed through the OSD.

Bit 13 represents whether to or not to blink the display.

Bits 9 to 12 represent “reserved”, and bits 0 to 7 store Y, Cb, and Crdata.

To display an OSD of the photographing month, date, and time, and theremaining battery amount, as shown in FIG. 4, the system controller 127writes in the memory 102 the character pattern of the photographingmonth, date, and time, and a symbol pattern representing the remainingbattery amount. At this time, data as shown in FIG. 3 are written ataddresses 0 to 15 of the SD color look-up table 104, and the display canbe provided with a desired color and desired form.

Similarly, an OSD of the HD format can be displayed by writing the samedata in the HD color LUT 117.

As is apparent from the above description, when the MSB in 16-bit dataof all addresses 0 to 15 in the HD color LUT 117 is so set as to passvideo data, an OSD is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 108and the like, but only video data can be displayed on an HD-compatibledisplay device connected to the D terminal.

That is, color LUTs are respectively arranged for the SD and HD formats,and the corresponding OSD_MIX units 105 and 118 independently execute aprocess of displaying an OSD. The display color and display effect canbe independently set while one OSD data is shared. Since video data tobe finally displayed is synthesized with an OSD immediately beforeoutputting the video data, degradation of the OSD quality can beprevented.

<Relationship with Display Frame>

The relationship between an HD display frame, an SD display frame, anddisplay of multiplexed OSD data will be explained with reference to FIG.5.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 201 denotes a full resolution of1,920×1,080 (horizontal 1,920 pixels×vertical 1,080 lines/frame) in theHD effective display area. The display is an interlaced display, and theresolution is 1,920×540 per field (1,920×1,080 per frame).

Reference numeral 202 denotes an effective display area of an HDdisplay-compatible display device. The resolution of the effectivedisplay area changes depending on the use of various televisionmonitors. One criterion of the resolution is about 85% of the effectivedisplay area 201.

Reference numeral 203 denotes an SD-NTSC full resolution of 720×480(horizontal 720 pixels×vertical 480 lines/frame) when an OSD ismultiplexed while the SD resolution is kept unchanged. Since the displayis an interlaced display, the field size is 720×240.

Reference numeral 204 denotes an OSD AREA image area prepared bydefining within the SD-NTSC full resolution 203 an area for multiplexingan OSD so as to fully display an OSD. Assuming that the size of the OSDAREA image area is NH x NV (horizontal NH pixels×vertical NVlines/frame), NH and NV are integers, and NH≦720 and NV≦480.

Reference numeral 205 denotes an SD-NTSC (×2) resolution of 1,440×960(horizontal 1,440 pixels×vertical 960 lines/frame) obtained by doublingthe SD-NTSC full resolution 203 in both the horizontal and verticaldirections.

Reference numeral 206 denotes an OSD AREA (x 2) resolution of 2NH×2NV(horizontal 2NH pixels×vertical 2NV lines/frame) obtained by doublingthe OSD AREA image area 204 in both the horizontal and verticaldirections.

In order to display common OSD data in both the SD display and HDdisplay without any omission, the embodiment sets

2NH≦1,440, 2NV≦960

The above-mentioned resolution of 600×400 satisfies this condition.

An example of employing NTSC as the SD format has been described, and anapplication of the PAL format is shown in FIG. 6.

The PAL format is different in size from the NTSC format of FIG. 5. Itshould be noted that the display exceeds the HD full resolution area 201when an SD-PAL full resolution area 303 is doubled in both thehorizontal and vertical directions. Hence, PH and PV are determined sothat an area 306 prepared by doubling an OSD area 304 falls within therange of an effective display area 302 of an HD display-compatibledisplay device. These settings do not pose any problem inOSD-multiplexed display according to the embodiment. Also in this case,for example, PH=600 and PV=400 satisfy this condition.

The video apparatus of the embodiment independently converts theresolutions of a picture and OSD data to be multiplexed on the picture,and then multiplexes the picture and OSD data. The video apparatus cantherefore multiplex and display, from common OSD data, OSD data whosedisplay color can also be independently controlled within the effectivedisplay area, on a plurality of pictures which are generated from thesame original picture but have different resolutions, without degradingthe qualities of these pictures. That is, a conventional apparatus mustprepare different OSD data to be multiplexed on pictures of differentresolutions, whereas the video apparatus of the embodiment suffices toprepare only single OSD data, reducing the circuit scale in ASICimplementation. Also, degradation of the OSD display quality uponconversion of the resolution can be prevented by converting the OSDresolution by an integer multiple.

The embodiment has exemplified NTSC and HD, and PAL and HD, but thepresent invention can be applied to an apparatus having three, NTSC,PAL, and HD display functions. In the embodiment, a video signal of theSD format is common to the liquid crystal display panel, EVF, andline-out connector. However, the liquid crystal display panel and EVFare permanently provided to the apparatus, and thus need not have thesame resolution as that of an output from the line-out connector. Thatis, the embodiment has exemplified two resolutions, but three or moreresolutions may be adopted.

As has been described above, the present invention can reduce thecircuit scale by synthesizing OSD data to be superposed on a picture ofeach resolution by using common OSD data. The present invention canprevent degradation of the quality upon conversion of the resolution byconverting the resolution of OSD data by an integer multiple.

As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments thereof except as defined in the claims.

Claim of Priority

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2004-145487 filed May 14, 2004, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A video apparatus which processes first videosignals and second video signals, the apparatus comprising: a memorywhich stores OSD data; a read out unit which reads out the OSD data fromsaid memory; a first look up table which sets a color to the OSD dataread out by said read out unit; a first synthesis unit which synthesizesthe OSD data having the color set by said first look up table with thefirst video signals; a second look up table, which is independent withrespect to said first look up table, which sets a color to the OSD dataread out by said read out unit; and a second synthesis unit whichsynthesizes the OSD data having the color set by said second look uptable with the second video signals, wherein in a case where theapparatus independently outputs video signals synthesized by said firstsynthesis unit and video signals synthesized by said second synthesisunit, (a) said read out unit reads out first OSD data, and (b)independently said first look up table sets a color to the first OSDdata, and said second look up table sets a color to the first OSD data,and wherein said first look up table and said second look up table set,to the first OSD data, colors different from each other.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the OSD data having the colorset by said second look up table is obtained by multiplying OSD dataread out from said memory by M (M is an integer) in both horizontal andvertical directions.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein theOSD data having the color set by said second look up table is enlargedso as to set an area size of enlarged OSD data to be smaller than anarea size of the second video signals.
 4. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: an output unit which outputs the signalssynthesized by said first synthesis unit and the signals synthesized bysaid second synthesis unit via ports independent from each other.
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first look up table alsosets a transparency of the OSD data, wherein said first synthesis unitsynthesizes the OSD data to which the transparency has been set by saidfirst look up table with the first video signals, wherein said secondlook up table sets a transparency of the OSD data independently withrespect to said first look up table, and wherein said second synthesisunit synthesizes the OSD data to which the transparency has been set bysaid second look up table with the second video signals.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first look up table andsaid second look up table can set whether or not blinking display of theOSD data is performed independently.
 7. A video apparatus whichprocesses first video signals and second video signals, the apparatuscomprising: a memory which stores OSD data; a read out unit which readsout the OSD data from said memory; a first look up table which sets atransparency to the OSD data read out by said read out unit; a firstsynthesis unit which synthesizes the OSD data to which the transparencyhas been set by said first look up table with the first video signals; asecond look up table which is independent with respect to said firstlook up table and which sets a transparency to the OSD data read out bysaid read out unit; and a second synthesis unit which synthesizes theOSD data to which the transparency has been set by said second look uptable with the second video signals, wherein in a case where theapparatus independently outputs video signals synthesized by said firstsynthesis unit and video signals synthesized by said second synthesisunit, (a) said read out unit reads out first OSD data, and (b)independently said first look up table sets a transparency to the firstOSD data, and said second look up table sets a transparency to the firstOSD data, and wherein said first look up table and said second look uptable set, to the first OSD data, transparencies different from eachother.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the OSD datahaving the color set by said second look up table is obtained bymultiplying OSD data read out from said memory by M (M is an integer) inboth horizontal and vertical directions.
 9. The apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein the OSD data having the color set by said second lookup table is enlarged so as to set an area size of enlarged OSD data tobe smaller than an area size of the second video signals.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: an output unit whichoutputs the signals synthesized by said first synthesis unit and thesignals synthesized by said second synthesis unit via ports independentfrom each other.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein saidfirst look up table and said second look up table can set whether or notblinking display of the OSD data is performed independently.
 12. A videoapparatus, which processes first video signals and second video signals,the apparatus comprising: a memory which stores OSD data; a read outunit which reads out the OSD data from said memory; a first setting unitwhich sets a display form of the OSD data read out by said read outunit; a first synthesis unit which synthesizes the OSD data having thedisplay form set by said first setting unit with the first videosignals; a second setting unit, which is independent with respect tosaid first setting unit, which sets a display form of the OSD data readout by said read out unit; and a second synthesis unit which synthesizesthe OSD data having the display form set by said second setting unitwith the second video signals, wherein in a case where the apparatusindependently outputs video signals synthesized by said first synthesisunit and video signals synthesized by said second synthesis unit, (a)said read out unit reads out first OSD data, and (b) independently saidfirst look up table sets a color to the first OSD data, and said secondlook up table sets a color to the first OSD data, and wherein said firstlook up table and said second look up table set, to the first OSD data,colors different from each other.
 13. The apparatus according to claim12, wherein the display form of the OSD data set by said first settingunit is related to a color of the OSD data or a transparency of the OSDdata, and wherein the display form of the OSD data set by said secondsetting unit is related to a color of the OSD data or a transparency ofthe OSD data.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein saidfirst setting unit and said second setting unit can set whether or notblinking display of the OSD data is performed independently.
 15. Theapparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: an output unitwhich outputs the signals synthesized by said first synthesis unit andthe signals synthesized by said second synthesis unit via portsindependent from each other.